Tributes for Scottish cricket doyen Martin Flynn

Martin Flynn umpires a match during an involvement in cricket lasting more than 60 years. Picture: TSPL

GARY HEATLY

Tributes have been paid to well-known cricket umpire and administrator Martin Flynn, who has passed aged 82.

Flynn died on Monday evening after a short illness and, having been involved in cricket in Scotland for more than 60 years, many friends and colleagues have been saddened by the news.

As a player Flynn played most of his cricket with Holy Cross, indeed playing in their first match at Colinton Mains in 1950.

A mathematics lecturer at Napier during the day, cricket really was Flynn’s true love and, after his playing days, he became heavily involved with the East of Scotland Cricket Association in various roles.

In 1971, he was one of the founding members of the East Umpires Association and since then has helped organise match officials and also umpired hundreds of matches himself all around Scotland, up to as recently as last year.

Sandy Scotland, who officiated many matches with Flynn, said: “Martin was very enthusiastic about umpiring and did a lot of work over the years. He was also a great administrator and he took on the jobs that nobody else wanted to do.”

In the early 1990s, Flynn became heavily involved with Scottish Universities cricket and really was the main driver for nearly two decades in keeping university events running so smoothly, including the indoor sixes. He also led a number of Scottish Universities tours and, even after stepping back from his role, travelled with the Scottish Students team as a guest on their trip to Ireland last year.

Scottish Students coach Iain Stewart said: “He was so passionate about student cricket and was such a help to me. I will always remember the work he did.”

Yesterday, the Scottish Students were playing in Lincolnshire and marked his passing with a minute’s silence.

For the last 13 years he had been secretary at Carlton Cricket Club in Edinburgh. Club president Hugh Parker said: “It is terribly sad news and Martin will be missed at the club. He did so much behind the scenes in his role with us.”

Last year’s first XI captain Fraser Watts added: “Martin was a great guy to have around the place and he was so passionate about his cricket.”

Flynn’s funeral is 11am at Warriston Crematorium on Thursday, 25 April and thereafter at the clubhouse at Arboretum.